ding, ding

William Carey University landed the first punch. The scrap between Carey and Belhaven University resumes today with a doubleheader starting at 4 p.m. at Smith-Wills Stadium. There’s not a title on the line, but this matchup is always compelling just the same. The schools are old rivals with proud programs and outstanding coaches in Bobby Halford and Hill Denson. The teams entered Thursday’s game tied for third place in Southern States Athletic Conference at 17-10. Belhaven (35-18) is ranked No. 21 in the latest NAIA poll. Carey (32-19) has been ranked much of the season. SSAC Tournament seeding hangs in the balance today. The host Blazers need to KO the Crusaders with a sweep to claim the 3-seed (behind national powers Faulkner and Lee). Carey’s Jake Fabre shut down BU 6-0 on Friday, allowing just four hits and fanning nine. The Blazers still have ace Chris Good (12-3, 2.37 ERA) to throw today. Still in the Crusaders’ stable are Vito Perna (6-3, 3.42) and J.D. Little (6-1, 2.89). Both clubs have hitters, too. Scott Fabre leads Carey with a .397 average and seven homers. Perna is a .360 hitter. BU is led by Jason Hicks (.359, six homers), Bud Britt (.301, eight homers) and Dominic Francia and Reagan Rutledge (41 stolen bases apiece). This ought to be good.